Cape Town – A manhunt has reportedly been launched after two prisoners escaped from the Ngqeleni Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape on Freedom Day.
Siyabulela Khohliso and Athini Mzingelwa, who were serving sentences of ten and eight years for rape, allegedly escaped from the prison’s sports field, reports said.
According to the Department of Correctional Services, additional resources had been deployed to support its emergency team and the police in hunting down the two inmates, reported News24.
“An investigation into this incident has been launched by the department. But critical at this stage is the re-arrest of the two offenders,” the department was quoted as saying.
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The department’s spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, has called for the community’s assistance in rearresting the inmates, reported The Citizen.
“Members of the public are urged to contact the nearest police station should they come into contact with the two escapees,” the report quoted Nxumalo as saying.
The escape incident comes amid investigations into Thabo Bester’s daring escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein in May last year.
Bester was believed to have died after setting himself on fire behind bars, but in late March 2023, police said DNA tests revealed the charred remains found in his cell belonged to someone else.
He and his accomplice girlfriend, doctor Nandipha Magudumana and a Mozambican national were arrested in Tanzania early this month.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
